How do I stop my hunter-killers?

[MammKernow]

We live in the country and have (amongst various pets) 4 cats. One cat is old (19!), and can't be doing with anything other than eating and sleeping. Other cats are 1, 2 and 3, all from rescue and unfortunately they are all prolific hunters.

Today we were woken up by a frantic blackbird (who we managed to save, although it was badly injured ). I intercepted our big male cat this morning, as he belted in with a young rabbit in his mouth (saved bunny, but fatally injured ). The youngest cat has, this evening, been caught in the hallway with half a large rabbit ).

Last sunday we had 1 partially peeled mouse, 1 dead shrew in dd's slippers (only discovered when she put them on ) and 3 and a half rabbits. I'm not sure how they get the bigger rabbits through the cat flap!

So, i don't want to shut them in. I have tried bells on collars before (when our old boy was young, he was a hunter too) and they did not work. Does anyone have any ideas? Am i being unrealistic in thinking we can stop them decimating the local wildlife?

[mollymole]

if they want to hunt they will - it is their nature
my girl cat actually seems to prefer her kill to cat food - boy cat can't be arsed to hunt when someone will just put food in his bowl

[MammKernow]

Hi Lizcat, that is what I thought too. They tend to bring in bunnies and birds during the day, mice and shrews at night. So it would only save a small amount (they seem struck with rabbits atm). Well, at least the cats are happy, and its not like we're short of rabbits around here. Just a bit grim, is all. Thanks for replying

[Lizcat]

IMO it is impossible to stop a determined hunter, they learn how to move without ringing the bell. Keeping them in at night will just make it a bit less.

[MammKernow]

Hello, anyone?